April 1st 1805 [1] we have Thunder lightning hail and rain to day the first rain of note Sinc the 15 of October last, I had the Boat Perogus & Canos put in the water, and expect to Set off the boat with despatches in her will go 6 Americans 3 frenchmen, and perhaps Several ricarra Chief imediately after we Shall assend in 2 perogus & 6 canoes, accompanied by 5 french who intends to assend a Short distance to trap the beavr which is in great abundance highr up our party will consist of one Interpter & Hunter, [2] one French man as an interpreter with his two wives [3] (this man Speaks Minetary to his wives who are L hiatars [4] or Snake Indians of the nations through which we Shall pass, and to act as interpretress thro him[)]— 26 americans & french my servant and an Mandan Indian and provisions for 4 months—
The fore part of to day haile rain with Thunder & lightning, the rain continued by intimitions all day, it is worthey of remark that this is the 1st rain which has fallen Since we have been here or Since the 15 of October last, except a fiew drops at two or three defferent times—
had the Boat Perogus & Canoes all put into the water.
Monday April 1st 1805. Cloudy. thunder and large hail, hard rain followed about half an hour then the party turned out and put the Barge and the 8 perogues in to the River commenced raining again at 4 oClock P. M. and continued raining untill 12 oClock at night.
Monday 1st April 1805. [5] Thunder and hail & hard rain about 8 oClock this morning for about an hour. the party then turned out and put the Big Barge and the 8 perogues in to the River. began to rain again about 4 ock. P. M. rained untill 12 o.C. at night & ceased.
Monday 1st April 1805. As our large boat was to return immediately to St. Louis, the whole of our craft was put into the water. A considerable quantity of rain fell this day; the first of any consequence that had fallen here for six months. The 2nd, was a fair day but windy. On the 3rd the weather was fine and pleasant. Some boxes were made, in which it was intended to have packed skins of different animals, which had been procured in the country, to be sent down in the batteaux.
Monday April 1st This morning we had some rain, which lasted about 2 hours & clear'd up Cool, all our party was employed in putting the Boat & Pettyaugers into the River, which they Effected.—